Despite the occasional tension, Elizabeth was grateful for the company. She, Jane, and Mary spent much of their time together, and though Mrs. Bennet’s ramblings could be trying, the bond they shared as sisters grew stronger. Even Mary joined in more often, her confidence growing in this new environment.
Surprisingly, after spending some time with Mrs. Annesley and Lady Julia Matlock, Mrs. Bennet seemed somewhat subdued. The company of the calmer, more composed women appeared to have a stabilising effect on her. She was no longer creating unnecessary drama at every turn. Instead of adding to the chaos, she offered more support to her daughters as they planned the wedding. She even had helpful recommendations for Elizabeth in dealing with her pregnancy—though not all of them were well-received.
“I think you must absolutely stay in bed more, Lizzy,” Mrs. Bennet had declared one morning, as Elizabeth tried to stand to fetch a book. “You will be far better off, I assure you.”
Elizabeth smiled, placing a hand on her stomach. “I am sure it will be fine, Mama. I need to keep moving, or I will go mad with rest. You know I was never one for sitting still for long; I know when I need to stop.”
“Rest, dear, rest! It is the best thing for you and the child.”
Elizabeth’s resolve wavered slightly, but she politely declined any further suggestions, aware that they were born from genuine concern, if a little misguided. To her surprise, Mrs. Bennet began to recognise when she was becoming overwrought and would retreat from the room, leaving the others to continue in peace.
On one such afternoon, Mrs. Bennet had excused herself with an abrupt, “I shall go lie down for a moment,” and slipped from the sitting room without further drama. Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Jane.
“Well, that was remarkably calm,” Jane remarked, a smile tugging at her lips.
Elizabeth chuckled. “I think spending time with Lady Julia and Mrs. Annesley has done wonders for Mama. It seems she’s finally realised when to step back.”
“And when to step in,” Jane added, her tone teasing.
Elizabeth laughed again, grateful for the calm that seemed to be settling over their household—at least, as much calm could be had while preparing for a wedding.
Chapter Fifty-One
WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 1812
Rain began falling early on the morning of Richard Fitzwilliam and Jane Bennet’s wedding day. While Mrs. Bennet might have been upset by the weather, as it would make travelling to the church more difficult for her and her many daughters, she still managed to find a silver lining.
“You are marrying on a Wednesday, Jane, which is already lucky, and now it’s raining—a further sign of favour,” she said cheerfully. “Of course, I would prefer if it stopped raining before it makes the ground too wet, for you know how Lizzy is. Even married and with child, she is just as likely to arrive at the ceremony with her petticoats covered in mud. Still, since she so generously allowed us to plan this ceremony and host the breakfast at her home, I suppose I should be content.”
Jane rolled her eyes at her mother’s ramblings, a gesture she had been repeating often of late. As her mother bustled away, another took her place. Mrs. Gardiner, who had arrived the previous Saturday with her husband, their children, and Kitty and Lydia, merely patted her hand reassuringly.
“She is pleased to be a part of your wedding, particularly since you are marrying a viscount,” she said. “Yours is the first wedding she has been able to plan, since Lizzy eloped. Despite her words, you know she loves all of you.”
Sighing, Jane conceded the truth of her aunt’s words. “I know you are right, Aunt, but might I confess that I am lookingforward to not sharing a roof with her for some time? I know she is reluctant to return to Longbourn, and I daresay Lizzy is particularly eager to have her gone, but I am ready to be on my own. Lady Julia has already moved into Matlock’s dower house, so when Richard and I arrive at his estate, I will finally be, for the first time ever, truly without a Bennet in residence with me. Is it selfish of me to feel that way?”
Mrs. Gardiner gave her niece a gentle, understanding smile, her eyes soft with sympathy. “Not selfish at all, my dear,” she replied kindly. “It is only natural to want some space and peace, especially after all the upheaval your family has undergone of late. I can imagine it has been quite overwhelming at times, moving to live with your sister because of the trouble with your father. You deserve to enjoy your new life with Richard without feeling that you have to constantly accommodate others. No, Jane, it is not selfish. It is simply a desire for your own home.” She patted Jane’s hand affectionately. “You will find it refreshing, I am certain.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s smile softened. “Your mother means well, Jane, but she can be overwhelming. She thrives on company and excitement—it is not a lack of love but simply her nature. Returning to Longbourn and her familiar routine will suit her. You, however, deserve peace, and there is no shame in seeking it. Every home should have a space for solitude, and you have earned yours.” She squeezed Jane’s hand reassuringly. “Do not feel guilty for wanting your own place, especially as you begin this new chapter with Richard.”
“But Lizzy has not really had that time. She has dealt with so much, and she still has Mama here at Pemberley. I feel as though I ought to offer Mama a place at Matlock, but I cannot inviteher to the dower house, for that is Lady Julia’s home now,” Jane replied.
Elizabeth approached just then. “Mama will not be at Pemberley long, my dear Jane,” she said, her eyes twinkling as she looked at her aunt and her sister. “My dear husband has arranged for her to travel to the seaside for a time along with our youngest sisters. When the lease of the house ends, they will return to Longbourn until it is time for Kitty and Lydia to go back to school. Surprisingly, both girls are pleased for the opportunity of one more year of education.”
“What of Mary? How did I not know of these plans?” Jane asked.
“The arrangements have only recently been finalised, and my husband has yet to mention them to my mother,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes still twinkling. “Mary will remain with Georgiana for the time being. The two girls have become quite good friends over the past months and benefit from each other’s company.”
She paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “As for Mama, Mrs. Annesley’s sister—a lovely, steady woman who has agreed to act as a companion for her and the younger girls—will accompany them. She brings a kind and calming presence and will continue the ‘lessons’ begun here, helping them all refine their behaviour for society. Kitty and Lydia have already learned a great deal at their schools, though there is always room for improvement. With the new companion and their lessons, I believe Mama’s more… exuberant tendencies will be kept in check.”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head with a small chuckle. “I am not sure they can ever fully restrain her enthusiasm, but I do trust they will help her moderate it to a more reasonable level. It is only natural that your mother’s excitement might get the best ofher at times, especially when she is so invested in everything. I have every faith that with the right guidance, she will remain at least somewhat composed. Your mother and sisters are certainly in good hands, and I am glad you have been able to make these arrangements, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and gave her sister a warm smile. “Yes, now, are you ready, Jane? The carriages are waiting at the door, and the footmen have several umbrellas and rugs prepared to lay on the ground so that our slippers and gowns do not get wet. Mama and the other girls left for the church only a few moments ago, but we cannot begin without you, dear sister. Come, let us get you married.”
They descended the steps into the main foyer where servants were waiting. Mr. Gardiner stood at the front door.
“Jane, you look lovely,” he said. “I am happy that I am here for your wedding day, even if I missed your sister’s. But you will be very happy with Colonel Fitzwilliam… forgive me, I have still not become accustomed to his new title. He is the viscount now.”
Jane sighed. “He is, and I am still astounded by all that has taken place. I liked him very well when he was simply the colonel, but that a peer wished to marry me was beyond my comprehension. Lizzy would be far better suited to the position.”
